Jamie Ashdown to link up with Pompey

Jamie Ashdown is lined up to train with Pompey next week.
Former Pompey keeper Jamie AshdownFormer Pompey keeper Jamie Ashdown
Former Pompey keeper Jamie Ashdown

The former Blues keeper has been out of the game since retiring in August 2015.

However, he is eager to resume a playing career which saw him serve with Leeds, Crawley and Oxford United in recent years.

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Now aged 35, Ashdown has continued to keep himself in good condition.

And he is bidding to impress Paul Cook in an attempt to secure an emotional return to Fratton Park.

Pompey are searching for an experienced keeper at present and are also running the rule over youngsters Eric Grimes and Michael Crowe on their pre-season tour.

Ashdown, who made 124 appearances for Pompey before leaving in the summer of 2012, fits that bill.

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And Cook has agreed to let him train with his team upon their return from Ireland.

Pompey’s boss said: ‘Jamie is coming in to train with us, after being recommended.

‘I am not against anyone coming in, the likes of Jamie coming in is no problem.

‘It’s a case of “let’s have a look at you”.’

Ashdown spent eight seasons at Fratton Park after being signed by Harry Redknapp from Reading in June 2004.

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He had the unenviable task of competing with David James for the number-one spot for long spells.

However, in the 2010-11 campaign, under Steve Cotterill, was an impressive ever-present during the Blues’ 50 matches.

In his final season, he produced a man-of-the-match display in the memorable 2-2 draw at Southampton.

Ashdown has remained a well-respected and popular figure among the Fratton faithful through his support for the Pompey Supporters’ Trust. He continues to own a share in the Trust.